2008 teacher Verna Cain farewell: 23rd May

Verna was farewelled from CBS on 23 May. Verna started her tenure at CBS in 1988. During her time at our school she has had many roles. After teaching in the junior classes Verna took on the role of Special Education Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). This has seen Verna take responsibility for working with students, parents and teachers to ensure that the needs of students are met to the fullest extent possible. Verna has also been a champion of the library, ensuring that the library was well stocked. Our library is based on the successful advocacy of Verna’s years at the helm. Of course Verna has been our ‘go to’ person in terms of reading. She was recognised by her peers (New Zealand Reading Association) when she was awarded funding to attend the international Reading Convention in Chicago.

Verna did not 'let the grass grow under in feet' academically. During her time at CBS Verna gained her Bachelor of Teaching and Learning as well as her Diploma in Education of Students with Special Needs.

Verna leaves our school to help her family in New York, as her son and daughter-in-law have a baby boy who has problem with his heart and the family will require the support that only mother/grandmother can give. We expect to see Verna back at CBS in a part time capacity when her role in New York lessens. In the meantime, to use the words of that famous one time resident of New York City, Annie, we farewelled Verna with these words, “How lucky I am (we are) to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”